Upcoming opportunities from the Canterbury Horticultural Society
Create a bud vase, botanical watercolour painting, platter or wreath or learn about bonsai or perennial borders at these August 2026 events.
Contact the Canterbury Horticultural Society (CHS) for more information on these and other upcoming opportunities [03 366 6937 or office(at)chsgardens.co.nz].
Bud Vase Workshop
Spend a creative morning making ceramics inspired by nature with Jane McCulla. Your glazed and fired bud vases will be available for collection from the Kiosk approximately 2to 3 weeks following the workshop.
Date: Sunday 2nd August 2026.
Time: 10am to 12.30pm.
Location: The Kiosk at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Cost: $85 for CHS members and Friends of the Botanic Gardens. $105 for non-members.
Find out more about this bud vase workshop, including how to register (Humanitix).
Bonsai Workshop
Join bonsai artist Aaron Curtis for an in-depth 4-hour workshop where you will be guided through the intricate process of creating a bonsai.
Date: Sunday 2nd August 2026.
Time: 2 to 5pm.
Location: The Kiosk at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Cost: $185 for CHS members and Friends of the Botanic Gardens. $225 for non-members.
Find out more about this bonsai workshop, including how to register (Humanitix).
Garden Life
Garden Life is the Society's monthly meeting - a two hour programme of gardening tips and socialising including a main and mini speaker of horticultural interest. This month's speakers are:
- Phil Garnock-Jones on the Natural history of (some) New Zealand flowers; and
- Frances Ritchie on the Plant Hunters walk.
Date: Tuesday 4th August 2026.
Time: 6 to 8pm.
Location: The Kiosk at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Cost: FREE for CHS members and Friends of the Botanic Gardens. $10 for non-members.
Find out more about the Garden Life monthly meetings, including how to register (Humanitix).
Botanical Watercolours
Explore the exquisite world of botanical watercolour through this beginner workshop with Kay Duncan. Understand the intricacies of choosing the right materials, mixing colours, and capturing the delicate essence of botanical subjects.
Date: Sunday 16th August 2026.
Time: 10am to 1pm. Light refreshments provided.
Location: The Kiosk at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Cost: $125 for CHS members and Friends of the Botanic Gardens. $145 for non-members.
Find out more about this botanical watercolours workshop, including how to register (Humanitix).
An intermediate level workshop will be held in October 2026.
Sunny Perennial Borders
Join this creative and practical workshop exploring the beauty of hot, dry garden design. Guided by Elizabeth Wilks, you’ll create elevations of plant combinations with a selection of hardy perennials perfect for Canterbury’s summer climate.
Date: Tuesday 18th August 2026.
Time: 6.30 to 8.30pm.
Location: The Kiosk at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Cost: $129 for CHS members and Friends of the Botanic Gardens. $169 for non-members.
Find out more about the sunny perennial borders workshop, including how to book your attendance (Humanitix).
The Art of the Winter Wreath
In this hands-on workshop with Yvette Edwards, participants will learn how to weave a natural willow wreath base before being guided through the process of decorating it with an abundance of winter treasures.
Date: Saturday 22nd August 2026.
Time: 1 to 3pm.
Location: The Kiosk at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Cost: $120 for CHS members and Friends of the Botanic Gardens. $150 for non-members.
Find out more about this winter wreath workshop, including how to register (Humanitix).
Botanical Platters
Create a gorgeous ceramic platter inspired by botanicals with Jane McCulla. Your glazed and fired platter will be available for collection from the Kiosk approximately 2 to 3 weeks following the workshop.
Date: Sunday 23rd August 2026.
Time: 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Location: The Kiosk at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Cost: $85 for CHS members and Friends of the Botanic Gardens. $105 for non-members.
Find out more about this botanical platter workshop, including how to book your attendance (Humanitix).